I had to share this precious photo sent to me by a “music mom”. I am sure this little student was overcome with exhaustion after a particularly productive practice session. I wonder if she was dreaming of playing at Carnegie Hall?
When I was a young child, the music played in my home was largely country and rock or hymns. Of course I had my own music too…Sesame Street, Anne Murray’s Hippo in My Bathtub, Mother Goose Favourites and the like. There was always music playing or being played but I didn’t receive a great deal of exposure…
How many songs do you have tucked in your head? From the tapes and CDs (or in my case, 8 tracks and records!) you listened to as a child, to the songs played on the family stereo while your mom or dad worked around the house, to the songs that played on the radio while…
Congratulations! You want to give your child music lessons. There are so many choices out there it is hard to know where to begin. Which instrument, which teacher, which program and at what age are all issues to consider. What is a good age to start lessons? As soon as possible! Why? The ages of…
Rhythm is a pretty important component of music. Without it, music would be pretty boring. For anyone out there who is not sure what rhythm is, sing any song…tap “the way the words go” on your knee…this is the rhythm. For many young musicians, rhythm is the trickiest part of a piece to master since…
Away in a Manger, Jingle Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. When I reflect on Christmases past, some of my fondest memories are anchored by those well loved Christmas carols. Not just hearing them, but sharing them. As a very young…
I love the following words from Haim Ginott. I first read it when I was an undergrad in university. It was in the “Ask Ada” column of the city paper and I cut it out. I still have that worn piece of newsprint and the passage has been my own personal teaching guideline ever since….
